AC Milan's 2–0 victory over Barcelona became the hottest topic of the entire Champions League.
Before the match, many professionals and media outlets didn't give AC Milan much of a chance. But through a series of excellent tactics and strategies, they pulled off the win.
The tactic of watering the pitch at home also surprised many teams. Some now considered it a viable way to disrupt Barcelona's passing-and-possession system.
In this match, although Suker didn't score, his performance and influence were still outstanding.
Suker drew much of Barcelona's defensive attention, which created opportunities for Pato and Kaká to shoot.
But the standout player was goalkeeper Dida, whose multiple goal-line saves helped AC Milan preserve their lead—and he even saved a penalty.
In that sense, AC Milan showcased excellent team cohesion during this match.
Beyond that, Pato became a hot topic across Europe.
Scoring just 24 seconds into the match against Barcelona, in the Champions League no less.
That lightning-fast sprint and goal left many amazed by the Brazilian youngster's athleticism.
This was why Pato had already drawn interest from numerous clubs before.
Back then, Pato was relatively well-known—his solid league performances earned him a reputation, but mostly within Italy. His name hadn't spread across Europe.
But this time was different.
With the global impact of the Champions League, Pato's 24-second goal made him the talk of Europe.
He instantly gained immense fame and attention.
Within days, he was flooded with commercial endorsement offers.
This was truly a case of "one goal to stardom."
That single goal fully demonstrated Pato's potential and talent.
And the nickname he had long wanted—"Suker's successor"—now felt fully deserved.
When it rains, it pours—good things come in pairs!
Pato's success wasn't limited to the pitch. Three days after the Champions League match, Barbara finally accepted Pato's advances. The two were now frequently seen entering and exiting AC Milan's training base together.
Triumph in both career and romance—Pato felt like he had reached the peak of his life.
After a day of training, Pato excitedly started grooming himself.
He put on a newly purchased wool coat and even got a haircut.
The scruffy mutt of the past had now been transformed by Milan's fashion atmosphere.
Pato sprayed perfume generously on himself, humming with joy.
"If you spray any more, I'm gonna sneeze!"
Suker muttered beside him.
The entire locker room was filled with the overpowering scent of Pato's cologne—borderline nauseating.
"Barbara loves the scent," Pato said proudly. "So I gotta spray more!"
Suker shook his head.
Kaká grinned nearby, "Just leave him be."
Both Suker and Kaká believed that Pato and Barbara wouldn't last long.
The main reason: AC Milan president Berlusconi didn't like Pato.
As a player under the club, Pato's performance was satisfactory to anyone.
But as a potential son-in-law, Berlusconi looked down on him.
Still, Barbara had been swayed by Pato's relentless pursuit, so Berlusconi hadn't directly intervened yet.
But his behind-the-scenes actions would likely cause the relationship to end badly.
Watching Pato happily skip out of the locker room, Suker shook his head.
"I just hope Barbara doesn't break his heart too badly."
Pato liked to present himself as a ladies' man, but when faced with true love, he became a total lover boy.
His heart was entirely devoted to Barbara.
Other than football, he was practically glued to her.
In the car ride home, Kaká turned and said, "The boss said we'll play a defensive game in the next match."
Suker nodded, "There's no choice. We did everything we could at home and came away with a two-goal lead. Whether we can win overall depends on whether we can withstand Barcelona's attack."
Ancelotti's entire plan was built around the home game.
AC Milan had executed it perfectly and secured the victory.
But in the second leg, they would lose the initiative.
Ancelotti might still have some tricks up his sleeve, but not many.
The next match would be a true head-on battle.
Defense was key!
"In the league, we just need to wait for Roma to slip up. But until then, we have to keep performing."
This was the final stage of the season—every point mattered.
No team wanted to lose.
There were desperate relegation battlers.
Teams fighting tooth and nail to stay out of the drop zone.
Clubs fighting for the championship.
Others competing for European qualification.
At this point, everyone was going all out.
That made every match especially grueling.
But that's just the nature of the second half of the season—there's no room to relax until it's over.
Fortunately, Inter Milan still hadn't found their form.
Coach Mancini was facing scrutiny from fans and club executives, and the first team was in disarray. They couldn't fully focus on matches.
Suker had heard from Srna that Mancini had already clashed with several players.
That was to be expected.
Since Mancini took charge, Inter hadn't won a single Milan Derby. In many cases, Ancelotti had tactically outclassed him.
Inter players were frustrated—and naturally began to question Mancini.
On top of that, Mancini's relationship with the club hierarchy had started to deteriorate, and the squad was beginning to pick sides.
When a team repeatedly fails to get results—or keeps losing—the inevitable spiral begins.
That was Inter Milan's current situation.
The two of them arrived at Suker's villa, and he headed straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Kaká followed along to help, clearly familiar with the routine.
As they cooked, they chatted.
"After seeing Messi's performance, this Copa América will be tough," Kaká said with a shake of his head.
With Brazil's talent, they would certainly go far.
And Argentina, as a South American powerhouse, would likely face them in the knockout stages.
Kaká was worried that Messi's brilliance might overwhelm Brazil's defense.
"What about you guys?" Kaká asked. "Croatia is Europe's hottest topic right now."
Ever since Croatia teamed up with Russia to eliminate England, they had been on every team's radar.
After all, a national team featuring Suker, Modrić, Vukojević, Mandžukić, and others wasn't to be taken lightly.
The emergence of players like Suker helped Croatia overcome their previous issues of lacking a strong attacking line.
Now, thanks to Suker, Croatia's front line was a real threat.
"Don't listen to the media hype," Suker waved it off. "Spain is the real problem."
"Ah, Spain..." Kaká sighed.
The Spanish national team was built around Barcelona and Real Madrid, while also including top talents from other leagues.
Like Torres from Liverpool, and Fàbregas from Arsenal.
All of them would be called up.
Not to mention the threats from Germany, Italy, and some lurking dark horses.
Despite the media praise for Croatia, Suker knew that for them to go far, they had to be fully prepared.
Croatia's biggest problem was that many players were making their debut at a major tournament.
That included Suker, Modrić, and even coach Bilić and assistant Van Stoyac.
They didn't fully understand the structure or inner workings of the European Championship.
It was like when AC Milan beat Barcelona.
Ancelotti had exploited Guardiola's inexperience.
After Barcelona's pitch inspection, Milan soaked the field heavily.
Guardiola didn't even send a specialist to check it.
Whatever data he had might have been off—only seeing it in person gives the truth.
As night fell...
In Milan's most vibrant bar district, Pato was having the time of his life.
But he didn't realize that the paparazzi were already tailing him—snapping away photo after photo.
The next day, Pato was on the front page again.
"Milan's Young Genius Lingers in the Club, Surrounded by Girls!"
"Downhill After Stardom? Pato's Wild Night at the Bar!"
"18-Year-Old Prodigy—Also a Playboy!"